I guess this is a question for any taller guys. Do any of you run bar risers? or high bend bars? I am 6'2" and finding the right bar height has been an issue with my dirtbikes. On my dirtbike I ended up with high bend bars and about an inch risers.

From most videos I have watched it seems that most people are kind of hunched over. so am I just being a baby about it? I can see the advantage of having a lower center of gravity for balancing but I dont think my spine agrees.

I'm a relative trials newby too and am running risers as well. I run them on my adventure bike to be in a comfortable position when standing. When on my trials bike I was finding my hunched forward position was giving my hands grief and my centre of gravity was too far forward, making it difficult to pop front wheel, and I was having to lean too far back when practicing turns etc. I am 6ft, and one inch riser has helped.
Good luck

Being 6-5 with a 38 inch inseam means for me that little trials bike is a long ways down there.I have 2 inch risers that for me work wonderful.I know Geoff Aaron is 6-4 and does not use risers but he is also less than half my age.I know when I am reaching my limit going up or down and having the bars a little higher than they should be is not a determining factor in what I can ride.I would rather ride mediocre all day than be in supposedly the right position and ride for 30 minutes and be crippled.I have no problem knowing I am doing it wrong if I can enjoy the ride longer.I stood next to Adam Raga at the Donner World round in 97 and he comes to the middle of my chest.Actually my workbench is 8 inches higher than normal and it works great.All the doorknobs are stock and are very low.

I think the point is that risers are not necessary for a taller rider. If risers (or any other mod) are what makes the difference between being able to ride or not being able to ride, I think the choice is a no-brainer. For folks that want to rush out and buy risers based on their dirt or street riding experience, it might make better sense to hold off and give it some time to adjust.

If you are serious about doing well at trials dont fit risers, as these tend to make the front end very light on very steep hills. For less competitive riders, who feel that risers make bikes more comfortable then that fine.

To your taste. Chain and I are very close in height, (6'2") and in riding ability (alright, so he usually beats me, but not by much) and he does not run risers on any of his bikes, for many of the reasons listed above. I run 3.5" risers on my Big Red Pig, 2.5" on my DR650 and KTM 250 and have found that it improves my ability to lift the front, and definetly lets me ride longer without the back ache.

At the suggestion of Brian Crawford, I tried a 30mm straight rise on my Gasser. I found it improved my comfort, and improved my ability to steer, not really sure why. Only time they have caused me any issue is very large vertical faces, where you have to fold over the bars to get the front back down. I end up with bruises on my hips, though I am not sure I wouldn't have them anyway with risers or not.

So, try it. If it makes you more comfortable, you will have more fun, you will ride more, you will get better. As mentioned above, I also roll my bars pretty forward, to lengthen the cockpit. +1 on tall workbenches. Pisses off my wife, but keeps my back from cramping when working.

I can't imagine riding anything with 3" risers! On the dirt bikes, how do you keep your elbows out while being able to sit up close to the tank and weight the front end in turns? Your elbows must be up by your ears! (or hanging down improperly)

Hell, yeah you can lift the front end easier (not that this is a problem on any modern trials or dirt bike). I would hope so, but you have compromised the option of being able to shift your weight to the front tremendously.

I have tried guys bikes that have risers and the front pushed so bad in turns that the bikes were IMO un-rideable.

Now.....if you are going for comfort and riding long distance, feel free to get your ergos to suit what "feels" good, but you are certainly not helping your riding any. It would be interesting to show up at one of the Trials Training Center's classes with big asssed bar risers on and see what the top instructors have to say. hmmmmm.

I've had my share of back pain and riding in the attack position seems to be the best for me. Standing straight up requires my back and lats to do too much work to keep me pulled into the bike. As usual YRMV.

In my opinion, risers can be used to get the bars in the "attack position" for a specific rider, on a specific bike, with a specific bar. Some people can tend to go overboard with the riser/tall bars for my comfort zone.

I am kinda starting to wonder what ape hangers would look like on a trials bike:huh<!--?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /--><o></o>

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This -

I use risers on both my 4RT and OJ (pictured above). I'm 6'1", almost all of it leg. I was "aping" over the bars without the risers, very uncomfortable, not riding or turning well. After the risers, I felt more comfotable on the bike, which raised my confidence which led to better riding. I believe it was Mark Manniko that once said "Trials is 90% mental", and when folks are comfortable physically they are comfortable mentally which leads to confidence. Let the pundits argue all they want, set up your bike to your comfort level, go out and have fun!

If you are looking for true comfort, I have a really amazing recliner at my house!

BTW Brewtus, that is just rudiculous.

BTW, btw grizzzly, you are one of the biggest known trials riders. Do you use risers? Are your doorknobs standard height around your house?

I know that bike set up is personal---- to an extent. By that, I mean that there are known things that work and those that don't. We have some great riders in our club. FWIW, I ask them for advice on lots of things. THEY are the ones that told me to roll my bars forward and flatten out the control levers. It feels odd at first, but it sure works! Not once has anyone that rides at a level higher than me suggested bar risers. ........but then, I wasn't asking about comfort.